Explanation of the unit

This is the core unit for all BTEC National qualifications (Subsidiary Diploma/Diploma).

Non-technical skills and attitudes, known as soft skills, are key to employability as well as the technical skills and knowledge required for specific jobs in IT. In this unit learners will come to appreciate the soft skills they need to develop to become effective employees.

Communication skills are key to success in any sector but are particularly important in highly technical sectors such as IT where the language used can become full of jargon. It is important that learners are able to communicate with non-technical staff and understand when different types and vehicles of communication are appropriate.

Through this unit learners will be able to improve their general communication skills and ensure that they understand how to exploit specific application packages and tools.

All individuals, whether learners or employees, must accept the need for continual self-development to maintain their effectiveness. For this reason, learning outcome 4 involves the use of personal development plans which can be used to capture and track training needs, and the accumulation of new skills and knowledge.